Personality
Dr. Kofi Abrefa Busia was Ghana’s Prime Minister during the Second Republic, following the return to civilian rule after years of military governance. His administration is notable for several key policies and events.
Rise to Power
- Busia, a prominent academic and politician, was a co-founder of the Progress Party (PP).
- In the 1969 elections, the Progress Party won a landslide victory, securing 105 out of 140 seats in Parliament, enabling Busia to assume office as Prime Minister on October 1, 1969.
Governance and Policies
Economic Policies:
- Busia’s government sought to stabilize the Ghanaian economy, which had suffered under the rule of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and the subsequent military regimes.
- He implemented austerity measures and liberalized the economy, encouraging foreign investment and private sector growth.
- His government devalued the Ghanaian cedi, a controversial decision that sparked public discontent due to increased prices of goods and services.
Social Policies:
- Busia prioritized rural development, advocating for education, healthcare, and infrastructure in rural areas.
- His government launched the Rural Development Programme, aiming to bridge the gap between urban and rural communities.
Alien Compliance Order (1970):
- In a controversial move, Busia’s government enacted the Alien Compliance Order, which required foreign nationals (mostly Nigerians and other West Africans) without proper documentation to leave Ghana.
- While the policy aimed to create job opportunities for Ghanaians, it drew criticism for its abrupt implementation and the hardship it caused to affected individuals.
Education and Academia:
- A scholar himself, Busia emphasized the importance of education and invested in expanding educational opportunities across the country.
- However, his government faced criticism for reducing funding to tertiary institutions.
Challenges and Criticism
Economic Challenges:
- Despite Busia’s efforts to reform the economy, Ghana faced significant economic difficulties, including inflation and unemployment.
Political Opposition:
- His leadership style was sometimes criticized as elitist, and he faced opposition from various groups, including labor unions and students.
Overthrow and Legacy
- On January 13, 1972, Dr. Busia’s government was overthrown in a military coup led by Colonel Ignatius Kutu Acheampong. The coup was partly due to dissatisfaction with Busia’s economic policies and perceived favoritism towards the elite.
- After the coup, Busia went into exile in the United Kingdom, where he continued to write and lecture until his death in 1978.
Dr. Busia is remembered for his vision of democratic governance and rural development. His tenure marked a significant attempt to transition Ghana from a socialist model under Nkrumah to a more liberal democratic system.